(New York) New York Mayor Eric Adams arrived at a Manhattan courtroom Wednesday morning for a hearing in a case in which he is accused of accepting bribes in the form of luxury trips and other benefits and illegal campaign contributions that prosecutors say helped propel him to power.
This is the Democrat’s first appearance since pleading not guilty at an arraignment last Friday. Wednesday’s hearing is not expected to involve an in-depth exploration of the evidence.
The court also could set a preliminary timetable for the trial and Adams’ attorneys could raise some of the complaints they have raised in court filings and media appearances about the charges and investigation.
Mayor Adams was indicted last week for accepting free or deeply discounted flights, hotel stays, meals and entertainment worth about $100,000 while traveling around the world. He mainly did this before being elected mayor, when he was Brooklyn borough president.
Prosecutors say the travel perks were arranged by a senior Turkish diplomatic official in New York and Turkish businessmen who wanted to gain influence with Mr. Adams. The indictment says he also conspired to receive illegal donations for his political campaigns from foreign sources, who were not authorized to give money to political candidates in the United States.
The indictment says Adams reciprocated those donations in 2021 by helping Turkey open a new diplomatic facility in the metropolis despite concerns raised by firefighters about whether the building could pass all inspections fire safety requirements.
Mr. Adams has denied knowingly accepting illegal campaign contributions. He also said there was nothing inappropriate about his foreign travel or the benefits he received. He maintains that any assistance he provided to Turkish officials regarding the diplomatic building was merely routine “constituent services.” He said helping people navigate the city bureaucracy is part of his job.
Mr. Adams is also seeking to have part of the case dismissed. His lawyers filed court papers Monday requesting that the corruption charge against him be dropped. They argue that the flights, upgrades, meals and hotel rooms did not constitute bribes under federal law.
It is unclear whether the court will hold a trial before New York’s mayoral primary next June, where Mr. Adams is expected to face several opponents.